MP Lokayukta, EOW shielding ministers, bureaucrats: Congress

Bhopal, Jul 4: The Congress today alleged that anti-corruption watchdogs in Madhya Pradesh - Lokayukta and Economic Offences Wing (EOW), are shielding those involved in corrupt practices, including ministers and bureaucrats.

The State Congress unit here alleged that despite receiving complaints with "proof" against senior ministers and bureaucrats, the Lokayukta and EOW target lower rung officers as they are 'small fishes'.

"Despite complaints along with certified proofs filed against 18 ministers/former ministers, including the chief minister, 32 IAS officers, eight IPS and as many IFoS officers, Lokayukta failed to act against them and in most cases also gave clean chits," MP Congress Committee Chief Spokesman, KK Mishra said.

He said instead of acting against "big people", the Lokayukta is patting its back for catching small fishes like patwari, clerks and peons.

On Lokayukta, he alleged that it is because of "this favour", the government is now giving an extension to state Lokayukta Justice (Retired) PP Naolekar through back door by amending the MP Lokayukta Act.

However, the Lokayukta had clarified his stand on the issue, saying, "Why should I resign? If the government appoints Lokayukta tomorrow, I will quit the post at that very moment."

"Right now the post of deputy Lokayukta is lying vacant. If I quit what will happen to the institution," he had said.

Mishra alleged that even EOW is acting in a similar fashion. Referring to the high-profile Vyapam scam, he claimed that so far, 44 people involved in the scam have died mysteriously and expressed apprehension that some more accused who are in jail may meet the same fate.

PTI